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How long is the article?
Successful candidates article for a total of 15 months, 10 consecutive months with the Court of Queen's Bench followed by five months with a law firm. Students are required to make the necessary arrangements for the completion of their articles with a law firm.
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When do the articles commence?
Articles usually commence at the beginning of June in Edmonton. Articling start dates in Calgary are June 1 and August 1.
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What does an article with the Court of Queen’s Bench offer?
Articling with the Court of Queen's Bench provides a rare opportunity to participate in and observe the administration of justice in Alberta from a unique perspective. Student involvement in the process is active and direct. Students often review briefs prior to hearings and attend applications and jury and non-jury trials. They are given the opportunity to research, write and discuss cases with the presiding Justice as the case unfolds. This allows students to learn directly from the Justices of the Court of Queen's Bench, something no other article in the province can offer. The articling program exposes students to many areas of the law and virtually all aspects of the judicial process. Students at the Court are encouraged to attend as many hearings, in as many Courts, as time permits.
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What type of guidance is offered to articling students?
Each student at the Court is articled to a Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench and receives further guidance and support from an assigned Legal Counsel advisor. Principals are carefully selected with a view to students' interests and backgrounds. The Justices of the Court of Queen's Bench and Legal Counsel are dedicated to ensuring that the students' experience with the Court is rewarding and valuable.
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How is work allocated to students?
Legal Counsel to the Court of Queen's Bench channel work to students in accordance with their interests and with the aim of ensuring exposure to a broad range of practice areas and to as many Justices as possible. Court students are valued as an important resource, and the Justices and Legal Counsel take their responsibilities to students very seriously. Student workloads are carefully monitored to ensure not only that the work experience is comprehensive and useful, but also that students have the time and resources to address their CPLED requirements.
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What else is involved in the article besides working on assignments?
As part of articling with the Court of Queen's Bench, students are given the opportunity to tour other facilities, including the Family and Youth, Criminal and Civil divisions of Provincial Court, where they meet with Judges of the Provincial Court and attend hearings and trials. Students are also given exposure to the Court of Appeal and are encouraged to observe proceedings in that Court.
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Is there an on-going educational component to the article?
In addition to a comprehensive orientation from experienced Legal Counsel advisors and Court librarians on commencement of their articles, Court of Queen’s Bench articling students have the unique opportunity to attend a series of seminars, given by Justices and Masters, covering a broad range of practice areas. This opportunity to receive instruction and guidance directly from Justices and Masters, in their fields of expertise, is not available in any non-Court articling program. The students also participate in the CPLED program if they intend to be called to the Alberta bar.
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What resources are available to students articling with the Court?
Students at the Court of Queen's Bench are given individual offices and have ready access to the Alberta Law Libraries and to the judicial library, a comprehensive law library for the exclusive use of the justices, legal counsel and Court students. In addition, they have the support of the Court's full-time librarian and complete access to all major online legal resources.
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What is an article with the Court like?
The Court recognizes the importance of making students feel comfortable and welcome. The environment is highly professional, but Legal Counsel and Justices also make an effort to foster an environment of collegiality. A number of less formal social events are hosted by Justices and Legal Counsel over the course of the year. All students and Legal Counsel meet regularly to review and discuss current assignments and other matters before the Court. Justices frequently drop by to discuss, in an informal caucus setting, particularly interesting or complex matters. Students are encouraged to discuss legal issues among themselves and with Justices and Legal Counsel. Articling with the Court of Queen's Bench is stimulating and rewarding, and provides an excellent transition from law school to practice.
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